IGCSE Economics
Cambridge IGCSE Economics introduces the basic economic problem, markets, the price system, the individual and the economy, and international trade.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
62%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 45 minutes across 2 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Multiple Choice | 45 minutes | 30 MCQ | 30% |
| Paper 2 — Structured Questions | 2 hours 15 minutes | Data + structured + essay | 70% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Use active recall: close your notes and write down everything you remember, then check the gaps.
- 2
Define every key term precisely — many exam marks come from accurate use of subject terminology.
- 3
Apply concepts to real-world scenarios; application questions dominate modern exams.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define the key terms associated with The Basic Economic Problem and explain why they matter in this subject.
Apply the concept of Allocation of Resources to a realistic scenario, explaining your reasoning step by step.
Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Microeconomic Decision Makers, using evidence to support a clear, balanced conclusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Confusing similar key terms that examiners deliberately test against each other.
- ✕
Memorizing definitions without practicing application to scenarios.
- ✕
Ignoring the marks allocated per question — a 2-mark answer doesn't need a paragraph.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Economics — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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